CFB Week 1 Weekly Roundup – First Official Saturday Does Not Disappoint
Football is officially back, and week one of college football did not disappoint in the slightest. There were tons of storylines, highlight worthy plays, and close matchups that made for a great stretch of football at the end of the week.
Welcome to the Tide 100.9 Weekly Roundup, where we highlight some of the best storylines of the week in college football that you may have missed.
South Dakota State at Iowa: Defense (and Punting) Wins Championships
A less than ideal season opener for Iowa, especially after such a strong season last year and having key players like QB Spencer Petras returning for this season. Offense was optional for both teams, with less than 300 offense yards total and a combined 21 punts for both teams. Only a pair of safeties in the second-half combined with a field goal in the first quarter were all the points the Hawkeyes could muster against the Jackrabbits. Too early to hit the panic button if you’re Iowa, but they’ll desperately need to find their offense soon to contend in the Big 10.
Final- Iowa 7, South Dakota State 3
North Carolina at Appalachian State: The Drunkest Game of the Week
One of the craziest games of the week, and an extremely early contender for game of the year. Appalachian State was down 20 heading into the fourth quarter, clawed their way back, but to failed to convert both 2-point conversions that would have tied the game against the Tarheels. Former Alabama commit and Tarheels QB Drake Maye had an impressive showing with over 400 total yards and 5 total touchdowns. With over 1200 yards of offense between the two teams, 62 points scored in just the fourth quarter, and an onside-kick return touchdown, this was one of the most exciting games yet.
Final- Appalachian State 61, North Carolina 63
Utah (7) at Florida: Late Game Heroics Lift Gators Over Utes
The Gators knocked off the seventh-ranked Utes in Billy Napier’s first game at Florida. A competitive game from beginning to end, it was Florida QB Anthony Richardson’s playmaking ability that proved to be the difference maker, scoring two of his three rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including an impossible 2-point conversion play. An incredible diving interception by LB Amari Burney sealed the game and stopped Utah’s last drive short.
Final- Florida 29, Utah 26
Georgia (3) vs. Oregon (11): Dawgs Dismantle Ducks with Ease
The defending national champions showed no rust as they opened the season in Atlanta against Bo Nix’s new team. Georgia QB Stetson Bennett looked sharp, passing for two touchdowns and running in another. Bo Nix, however, struggled against the Dawgs' sharp defense, throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns. Even after losing a lot of talent to the last NFL Draft, Georgia looks like they remain loaded enough to play for the college football playoff title.
Final- Georgia 49, Oregon 3
Notre Dame (5) at Ohio State (3): Buckeyes Pull Away Late in Tough Opener
The game of the week and site of this week’s “College Gameday”, many were interested in seeing how Ohio State would look this season after their impressive Rose Bowl victory against Utah, and hiring DC Jim Knowles in the offseason. After losing star WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba early, the Buckeyes’ offense had a tough time finding momentum against new Irish head coach Marcus Freeman’s defense. The Buckeyes pulled away late however, thanks to a Miyan Williams touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The toughness from both teams on defense led to a pretty low-scoring game, but QB C.J. Stroud still put up solid numbers including two touchdowns.
Final- Ohio State 21, Notre Dame 10